Abstract
The clinical condition of childhood epilepsy largely differs from that of adult-onset epilepsy. Epilepsy is caused by widespread brain lesions or complicated clinical conditions, thus requiring extensive knowledge about the disease for its diagnosis. Prognosis of childhood epilepsy is highly variable: some patients heal naturally; some cases cause suspension or regression of growth; and some cases are complicated with severe progressive psychosomatic disorders. Operability of childhood epilepsy also differs from that of adult epilepsy. In particular, mesial temporal lobe epilepsy comprises only 10% of all the operated cases of childhood epilepsy, whereas cortical dysgenesis widely scattered over the exterior area of the temporal lobe and relatively rare clinical conditions unique to childhood are more common. Resection of epilepsy lesions is considered to be a surgical option if the lesions are well localized. However, resection of widespread lesions or palliative surgical treatment is also commonly performed. It is highly desirable to determine operability by individually reviewing special conditions occurring during childhood. For example, the influence of epilepsy's attack on the brain and mental condition, and the compensation ability of the damaged brain function caused by surgical complications, during the growth process should be considered.
